Would Troy Murphy be a good fit with the Spurs?

There’s been a lot of message-board speculation that disgruntled New Jersey forward Troy Murphy could help the Spurs this season in a playoff push.

Murphy has fallen out Coach Avery Johnson’s favor and the Nets’ rotation because of his frequent defensive lapses, but could help a contending team because of his perimeter shooting skills and his rebounding.

Nets general manager Billy King told the YES Network earlier this week that he is actively working to move Murphy before the Feb. 24 trade deadline (hat tip Pro Basketball Talk.com.)

“Obviously, you know, I’m very focused on Troy,” King told the network. “I feel bad for Troy in this situation, but I think something will come before the deadline.”

Murphy, who will turn 32 in May, has never been a member of an NBA playoff team in his 10-season career. The Notre Dame product averaged 14.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game in 72 games last season in Indiana.

But he’s played in only in 18 games this season with the Nets, averaging 8.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.

He would represent a very attractive piece for the Spurs, enabling them to match up against taller teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas, Boston and Miami in a potential playoff series.

And his $12 million salary will be coming off the books at the end of the season, making him a prized commodity for that factor alone.

The Nets likely would begin any potential trade talks by inquiring about rookies Tiago Splitter or James Anderson. Both don’t appear to be ready to help the Spurs much this season in the playoffs. But would you give up on their youth and promise in exchange for a good season or two from Murphy?

It’s an interesting quandry for Gregg Popovich, R.C. Buford and the rest of the Spurs brain trust.

I don’t think they will make the move considering how well the team has played so far.

But you never know …

What about it Spurs Nation? Would you mortgage a little bit of the Spurs future for a chance at Murphy for the rest of this season and the playoffs?